So here’s what we know. There were cheerleaders, fans, a marching band that didn’t march, tailgaters and a handful of kids playing football on the hill.

And we know the Blue team slugged out a 20-7 victory against the White team. Yet, even that meant very little as players occasionally donned both colors during the game.

After the game — is it really a game? — coach Mark Mangino even downplayed the meaning of the ceremonial start for next season. Still, spring football, much like spring training in baseball, offers a glimpse into next year’s team:

Johnathan Wilson has only gotten better

Sure, Wilson performed well as Kansas’ third receiver last season. But with the absence of sophomore wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe this spring, Wilson stepped into an enhanced role this offseason.

On Saturday, he hauled in seven catches for 133 yards, a touchdown and looked to be the fastest player on the field.

Kerry Meier still has the best hands in the Big 12

OK, I know this one isn’t surprising to anyone who watched five minutes of a game last season. But watching Meier pluck passes thrown anywhere near his body was truly a highlight on a day when not much else happened offensively.

Hats off ...

Gotta love the switch to five defensive backs on defense. Not only does it perfectly fit with Kansas’ personnel right now, but it also matches up with the spread happy offenses used by almost every team in the Big 12.

Offensive line that good, or defensive line that ineffective

There’s always an odd dilemma faced by all football coaches during spring games: If one part of the team is good, such as the offensive line, does that mean the opposing part is bad, such as the defensive line?

Well, as it nears spring and the weather is warms, let’s stick with the positive. Kansas’ reconstructed offensive line allowed quarterbacks little pressure throughout the game, while doing a respectable job running the ball.

Jeremiah Hatch a work in progress

When freshman center Jeremiah Hatch struggles in practice, he calls former teammate Ryan Cantrell, who started at center on last year’s team.

“He just tells me to keep going and just come to the next practice,” Hatch said.

One of the biggest position changes this spring came when Mangino announced that Hatch would switch from offensive tackle to the heart of Kansas’ line. And, as Hatch said after the game, he’s still learning the specifics of the new position.

On Saturday, Hatch snapped a ball when Todd Reesing was looking to the sideline, resulting in a big loss. Still, for the most part, Hatch appeared solid in the middle. “It’s not always going to be good,” Hatch said, “but it’s not always going to be bad.”

The same could be said for any spring football game.

— — Edited by Realle Roth